10 Apr 2013

Grassley statement on the Motion to Proceed to Reid Gun Control Legislation

By Grassley Press

Prepared Floor Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Ranking Member, Senate Judiciary Committee

The Motion to Proceed to Reid Gun Legislation

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Click here for video of the speech.

Mr. President, earlier today, I met with families from Newtown, Connecticut to discuss the legislation we are currently debating.  It was emotional and difficult for all of us.  I thank them for sharing their stories of their loved ones and their concerns with me.  I hope my colleagues will also consider meeting with these families.

At the meeting, they called for a debate on the legislation, a debate we are having.  And under the new procedures available under Senate Resolution 15, the Majority Leader can move to proceed to a measure and vote on some amendments.  A vote against the motion to proceed does not cut off debate or votes on amendments.

Nonetheless, Mr. President, we are in the unusual position of being asked to take a leap into the unknown.  We are being asked to vote to proceed to an uncertain bill.  That bill is not even the bill that we would likely consider if the motion to proceed were successful.  The language on background checks would change.  Remarkably, if the language changed, it would be replaced with language that does not now exist.

The world's greatest deliberative body should not operate in this fashion.

In the Judiciary Committee, four bills were considered separately.  There was no consensus.  Three of them have now been combined.  But they are not ready for consideration.  At the time, the sponsor of the background check bill said it was not ready.  There are numerous problems with that bill.

Movement of firearms from one law-abiding citizen to another would be legal or illegal based on arbitrary distinctions that citizens could not be expected to know.  This is true even though when this language was the subject of a hearing in a previous Congress, a witness pointed out the problems.  But no changes have been made to address those issues.  Even an official with the ACLU says that criminal laws should give more guidance to citizens.

The bill operates in a way that would make gun safety efforts more difficult.  That does not make any sense.

The bill requires recordkeeping for private sales.  That is a step toward gun registration.  Indeed, we heard testimony in the Judiciary Committee that "universal" background checks cannot be effective without gun registration.

And the ACLU official is right to be concerned about the threat to privacy that the background check language presents.

He notes that the government would possess information concerning gun owners that it would not be required to destroy within 24 hours, as it must for current background checks.

He also points out that the bill contains none of the restrictions in current law that prevent other parts of the government from using the database for purposes beyond why the information was supposedly obtained.

The background check provision is also not ready for consideration because of the new federal felony that it creates.  If a law-abiding gun owner's gun is lost or stolen, he or she would be required to report that to both the Attorney General and appropriate local officials within 24 hours.  At the markup, I asked a number of questions of the bill's sponsor about how the offense would work.  For instance, who would pay for the additional law enforcement personnel who would take those calls?  What would a citizen's legal obligation be if the gun were misplaced rather than lost?  What would determine when the loss occurred that started the 24 hour period?

The sponsor said that these issues would be clarified.  So far, however, they have not been.  So law-abiding citizens will not know whether they are acting in compliance with the law or face a 5 year jail sentence.  The issues have not been clarified, but we are being asked to proceed to the bill anyway.

This new offense criminalizes inaction.  That is a grave threat to freedom.  Except for filing tax returns or registering for the draft, we punish bad actions.  We do not punish inaction. This new crime punishes failure to act.  And it only applies to those who lawfully own their guns.  A criminal whose gun is stolen is not required to report that fact.  With this offense, law-abiding citizens can be turned into felons, but felons cannot commit a crime.  Under this new offense, law-abiding citizens might be looking at five years in jail for doing nothing.  And all that is necessary for the gun to be subject to the reporting requirement is that the gun once moved in interstate commerce.

The Supreme Court has outlined three categories of situations in which Congress can rely on the Commerce Clause.  This is not one of them.

If Congress can do this, it can make people take all sorts of action simply because they owned a product that once moved in interstate commerce.  Like bread.  Or soap.  And they can face jail time if they do not do what Congress demands that they do.  Even the individual mandate from Obamacare only established a penalty, not a prison sentence.  I do not think 90 percent of Americans would support this universal background check bill if they read it.

The motion to proceed also goes to a bill that contains language on straw purchasing and gun trafficking.  I voted to report that bill to the Senate floor.  Many changes were made to that bill at my behest.  An amendment of mine was adopted.  At the time, I expressed concerns.  I spoke of my desire to have those concerns worked out before the bill went to the floor.  I said I would not necessarily support that bill on the floor if those concerns were not responded to.  They have not been addressed so far.  And those provisions were tied to the ever-changing background check provisions.

The whole process makes me wonder whether the efforts to pass a bill on this subject really are serious.  It seems that if a half-baked bill is brought up, the majority can be sure that they can force Republicans not to agree to proceed to it.  It seems like that may be just what they want to happen.   If so, that is a very cynical way to treat a very serious issue.

Mr. President, how can we responsibly proceed to a bill that contains language that even its sponsor admits is not ready for consideration?

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10 Apr 2013

DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival Presents An Emerging Artist Showcase

By Paula Neuhaus

Nash Gallery, 371 Bluff Street in Cable Car Square, will host an emerging artist showcase exhibit and reception on Friday, April 19 from 7-9 p.m. This multi-genre exhibit features the work of nine emerging artists from the art departments of Clarke University and Loras College. Featured artists include Sara Steuer, Kalli Olberding, Randi Westervelt, Samantha Sewell and Mark Fuentebella from Loras College and Emily Cram, Traci Bauer, Gwen Gross, and Kayla Carlson from Clarke University. The artists' work include explorations in photography, installation, collage, mixed media/conceptual, painting, illustration, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture.

The exhibit and opening reception serves as a fundraiser for DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival 36th annual all-arts festival scheduled for May 17-19 in downtown Dubuque. The artists will donate 10% of all sales made on opening night to the festival. DubuqueFest t-shirts and signed, limited edition silk-screened posters by artist Rich Rossignol will be available for purchase. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments and treats will be served. A $10 donation is suggested for adults and $5 for students who show their current college ID.

Nash Gallery has recently moved to their new home above Monks Kaffee Pub, 371 Bluff Street. The entrance is at the rear of building. For more information visit dubuquefest.org. DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival and Nash Gallery are affiliates of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society.

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10 Apr 2013

Fire Safety Project Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Davenport, American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area and the Davenport Fire Department

By Rick Best
The Rotary Club of Davenport is partnering with the American Red Cross and the Davenport Fire Department to distribute educational materials for fire prevention and safety and emergency procedures in the home.
Rotary volunteers will work in conjunction with Red Cross volunteers and the Fire Department this Saturday,  April 13 from 9 am to noon to hand out materials in three Davenport neighborhoods. Volunteers will meet at a designated spot to park and then the Red Cross will provide vehicles and volunteers to transport everyone around the community.
Davenport Rotarian Eloise Graham is coordinating the project with two other Davenport Rotarians, Betsy Pratt, CEO of the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area, and Davenport Fire Chief Lynn Washburn.  The Rotary club has been collecting funds that the Red Cross uses to provide supplies to families that have experienced a fire. Through this new partnership project, we hope to prevent those tragedies by providing information about fire safety to Davenport residents.
"Fire safety is an important part of the mission of the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities Area. We're honored that the Davenport Rotary has chosen this project that can help us save lives in our community," said Betsy Pratt.
Additional volunteers are needed, and they do not need to be Rotary members.  To volunteer, contact Eloise Graham at grahamjg64@gmail.com, or call 563-359-8696.
10 Apr 2013

Pop Sensation Carly Rae Jepsen Completes Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

By Lori Chappell
Grandstand Tickets on Sale May 4

DES MOINES, IA (04/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Carly Rae Jepsen will perform at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 17, with special guest The Wanted. The show completes this year's Grandstand line-up. Tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2013 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

With 9.1 million singles sold and a record-breaking nine consecutive weeks at number-one, Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" catapulted the Canadian singer's success and made her an over-night viral sensation. The multi-platinum song earned two Teen Choice Awards and two Grammy Award nominations as well as over four hundred million hits on YouTube. British pop artists The Wanted will open the August 17 show.

Grammy Award-winning rock artists Train will perform hit songs like "Drops of Jupiter," "Calling All Angels" and "Marry Me" on August 16. They will be joined by double-platinum contemporary artist Matt Nathanson.

Country superstars Alan Jackson and Gary Allan will take the stage August 18. Jackson's authentic lyrics and connection to traditional country roots helped him produce anthems like "Chattahoochie," "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" and "Small Town Southern Man." Allan's ten studio albums have produced hit song after hit song including "Nothing on but the Radio," "Watching Airplanes" and "Every Storm."

Shows featuring Dierks Bentley and Toby Keith round out this year's country selections. Bentley will perform with special guest Justin Moore on August 11. Kip Moore will open for Keith's August 15 performance.

Contemporary Christian artists Casting Crowns will bring their soulful tunes to the stage opening night, August 8. They will be joined by special guest Jeremy Camp.

Launched into stardom with her hit show on Nickelodeon, Victoria Justice has quickly made her mark on the music scene. She will be joined by The Sing Off's season three champions, Pentatonix, on August 13.

Former Saturday Night Live stars Dana Carvey, Kevin Nealon and Dennis Miller will offer their own unique flavor of comedy in a stand-up routine that's sure to have Fairgoers laughing on August 10.

The Grandstand will be filled with hits from the 60s and 70s on August 9 with the Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis.

Motor sports action kicks into high gear August 12 with the Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models. The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull roars into the Grandstand August 14. The Demolition Derby and Figure Eight will tear up the track for a morning session on August 17.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800/745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating. All track events are general admission. Beginning July 8, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2013 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 8 Casting Crowns with special guest Jeremy Camp, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 9 Happy Together Tour 2013 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, Chuck Negron, Mark Lindsay and Gary Lewis, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 10 Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon from SNL, 8 p.m., $38

Sunday, August 11 Dierks Bentley with special guest Justin Moore, 8 p.m., $39

Monday, August 12 Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks, 5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $17 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 13 Victoria Justice with special guest Pentatonix, 8 p.m., $29

Wednesday, August 14 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m., $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Thursday, August 15 Toby Keith's Hammer Down Tour presented by Ford F-Series with special guest Kip Moore, 8 p.m., $49

Friday, August 16 Train with special guest Matt Nathanson, 8 p.m., $39

Saturday, August 17 Demolition Derby: Modified Weld, Stock Weld and Compact Weld; Figure Eight: Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive, 11:30 a.m., $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Saturday, August 17 Carly Rae Jepsen with special guest The Wanted, 8 p.m., $35

Sunday, August 18 Alan Jackson and Gary Allan, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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10 Apr 2013

Lt. Gov. Simon to be featured speaker at University of Chicago

By Kara Beach

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Simon will be the featured speaker at the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics' "Poultry and Politics" on Wednesday. Simon will talk to students about her commitment to public service, which has led to her serving as the state's second highest-ranking official.

"Our students are the next generation of leaders," Lt. Governor Simon said. "I look forward to sharing my background with them, and hearing their perspectives on today's pressing issues."

As Lt. Governor, Simon serves as the state's point person on education reform and as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and military families. Simon will also discuss her work with the General Assembly on high-profile issues such as marriage equality and concealed carry - all over Harold's Fried Chicken, an institution on Chicago's South Side.

DATE: Wednesday, April 10

TIME: 6 p.m.

PLACE: University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, 5707 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago

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10 Apr 2013

Grassley works to try to educate the EPA about agriculture, rural America

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Grassley weighed in this week with the President's nominee to serve as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

A Senate hearing to consider the nomination of Gina McCarthy is set for Thursday morning in the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

"From EPA attempts to regulate farm dust and spilled milk and conduct aerial surveillance of farming operations, Iowans are concerned about how the EPA operates," Grassley said.

In a meeting by telephone with McCarthy, Grassley said he raised these issues as well as concern about the EPA's release of names, addresses and possibly other personal information about livestock producers to political activists who requested the information.  "Livestock producers are understandably concerned that the sort of information provided could be used to harass or possibly vandalize their operations," Grassley said.

Grassley said he also raised concerns directly with McCarthy about the impact of EPA regulations on electricity costs and manufacturing, including the EPA's efforts to undermine coal-fired electricity.  Rural electric cooperatives (RECs) receive 80 percent of their power from coal, well above the national average of 50 percent.  According to the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, RECs provide electricity to consumers in every one of the state's 99 counties.

McCarthy visited Iowa in 2009 with Grassley at his request after Grassley learned that the EPA official, Margo Oge, who was writing guidelines for indirect land use had never set foot on an American farm.  At the time, proposed rules from the EPA relied on incomplete science and inaccurate assumptions to penalize biofuels for indirect land-use changes.  Grassley said he appreciated McCarthy and Oge making the trip.  McCarthy was Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation at that time.

"The issues I continue to raise with the EPA deserve attention," Grassley said.  "Common sense seems to be in short supply at this federal agency when it comes to its handling of issues in agriculture and the rural economy."

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10 Apr 2013

Loebsack Helps Lead Fight to Keep Student Loan Rates from Doubling

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today joined Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) in introducing legislation that will keep student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for an additional two years.  On June 1, 2013, interest rates on student loans are set to double to 6.8 percent from 3.4 percent if Congress does not act.  Last year, as the only member of the Iowa delegation to serve on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, which has jurisdiction over this legislation, Loebsack helped lead the fight to ensure students did not see a similar raise in interest rates.

"I grew up in poverty, and I would not have been able to attend college and have such amazing opportunities without student aid," said Loebsack.  "At a time when middle class and working families are still struggling, we should not pull the rug out from under them and saddle them with additional debt.  Education is critical to securing a good job and economic security for families, and educating our future workforce is key to boosting our economy."

As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, Loebsack has championed numerous pieces of legislation to increase access to higher education, including:

·         College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) Loebsack helped craft and pass this legislation, which makes college more affordable and accessible for all Iowans by increasing the maximum Pell Grant scholarship and expanding eligibility;

·         Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act Loebsack was a cosponsor of this bill, which will save American taxpayers $61 billion by making the student loan process more efficient.  The bill further expanded the maximum Pell Grant available from $5,550 in 2010 to $5,975 in 2017, granting Iowa students more than $291 million for higher education. This bill was the largest single investment in student aid in America's history, and will make college more accessible, transform the way student loan programs operate and strengthens community colleges.

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10 Apr 2013

Rivermont Collegiate 3rd Quarter Honor Roll

By Rachel Chamberlain

Middle School (Grades 6-8)

High Honors (All grades B+ or higher or B or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Elizabeth Decker

Clayton Douglas

Faith Douglas

Giavanna Eckhardt

Jessica Elliott

Andrea Gamble

Olivia Gamble

Aislinn Geedey

Mahum Haque

Megan Lindle

Naina Ninan

Benjamin Nordick

Manasa Pagadala

Elizabeth Paxton

Emilia Porubcin

Collin Smith

Honors (All grades B- or higher or C+ or higher for courses designated as Upper School level)

Genevieve Solange Bolger

Adam Chamberlain

Hema Chimpidi

Shivani Ganesh

Azariah Hughes

Molly Lewis

Mary Aisling McDowell

Maryam Rasheed

Lauren Schroeder

Natalie Springborn

Nikhil Wagher

Jack Westphal

 

Upper School (Grades 9-12)

Headmaster's List (GPA 3.85-4.00)

Adam Dada

Anastasia Eganova

Summer Lawrence

Victoria Mbakwe

Amanda McVey

Grace Moran

Michal Porubcin

Shravya Pothula

Kelsey Qu

Suhas Seshadri

Alexander Skillin

Loring Telleen

Distinction (GPA 3.50-3.84)

Vishal Bobba

Rebecca Cupp

Christian Elliott

Tejasvi Kotte

Margaret Martens

Nell Meier

Darsani Reddy

MingSui Tang

Merit (GPA 3.00-3.49)

Jennah Davison

Jesus Fuentes

Alejandra Martinez

Nathan McVey

Hayley Moran

Alexis Shaheen

Ashish Tadepalli
10 Apr 2013

THE MOLINE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THIRTEEN ELEMENTARY VAN ARSDALE MUSIC AWARDS

By Linda Martin
Thirteen Moline elementary school students have been chosen to receive an award from the Hazel F. Van Arsdale Memorial Scholarship Fund administered through The Moline Foundation.

The 13 elementary students are: Mia Burrill, Madison Rhea, Adriana Hernandez, Nicole Ellis, Derek Burgin, Carissa Gonzalez, Kate Schaechter, Madelaine Jacobs, Manuela Chavez, Kayla Veto, Allison Van, Izabel Jernigan and Lillian Driscoll.

The fund was started in honor and memory of Hazel F. Van Arsdale to perpetuate the importance of music in elementary and secondary education. The fund supports two types of annual awards. One award is given to selected elementary students, and one scholarship is given to a high school senior. The 13 elementary students were chosen by an individual school committee made up of teachers and music professionals through The Moline Foundation.

Hazel Van Arsdale was a public school teacher for 36 years. She was known for her strict, but fun, manner of bringing music into the classroom. She made sure all of her students knew every verse of all of our patriotic hymns, and wanted them to strengthen their music interest beyond elementary school. A fund was established and is now administered through The Moline Foundation's scholarship program.

Founded in 1953, The Moline Foundation is a community-based, non-profit organization which provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts, and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of the Quad City region. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts and has current assets of approximately $17 million. For more information contact Executive Director Joy Boruff at (309) 736-3800 or visit The Moline Foundation Web site at www.molinefoundation.org.

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10 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Joins Nationwide Effort to Recognize Impact of National Service

By Erin Wilson

Illinois #1 in the Nation for Most "Cities of Service" and #1 Among the Nation's 10 Largest States for Volunteer Rate

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today saluted the efforts of more than 600 mayors across the country for the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to strengthen communities across Illinois. This commemorative day is a nationwide bipartisan effort to highlight the impact of national service in tackling municipal problems.

"Service to others is the rent we pay on God's earth," Governor Quinn said. "AmeriCorps members, Senior Corps participants and all other national service volunteers have a positive and lasting impact, making Illinois a better place to live. Illinois is grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these individuals who represent Americans at their best."

Thanks to the Governor's Serve Illinois Commission and its many partners across the state, Illinois continues to be a leader in service. According to the latest Volunteering and Civic Life in America (VCLA) report, Illinois has the highest volunteer rate?27.2% of residents?among the nation's 10 largest states.

"Illinoisans possess a deep-seated ethic of service," Brandon Bodor, executive director of the Serve Illinois Commission said. "Across ages, abilities, backgrounds and interests, volunteerism makes us more resilient as individuals, as communities and as a state. The benefits of service are more than just social - last year's Illinois volunteerism was valued at over $8 billion."

The outreach efforts of the 40 governor-appointed Serve Illinois Commissioners have also propelled Illinois to #1 in the nation's Cities of Service rankings. Cities of Service, a co-sponsor of the April 9 Mayors Day of Recognition, is a national coalition of mayors committed to using volunteerism as a viable tool to achieve measurable impact on pressing local issues. Illinois leads the nation with 25 such cities.

The Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service is a way to recognize the positive impact of national service in cities, to thank those who serve and to encourage citizens to give back to their communities. The day is sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the National League of Cities and Cities of Service.

Across the country, mayors are participating in a variety of activities including visiting national service programs, hosting roundtables at their respective city halls, issuing proclamations and communicating about national service through social media. By shining the spotlight on the impact of service and thanking those who serve, mayors hope to inspire more residents to get involved in their communities.

Current list of Illinois Participants in Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service:

Rahm Emanuel - Chicago

Vivian E. Covington - University Park

Frederic Brereton - Belvidere

Keith Snyder - Lincoln

Lawrence Morrissey - Rockford

David Kaptain - Elgin

Bill McLeod - Hoffman Estates

Rick Reinbold - Richton Park

Bill Wilkey - Dwight

Scott Punke - Eureka

John Mohr - Lexington

Bob Russell - Pontiac

Arlene J. Mulder - Arlington Heights

Terry Weppler - Libertyville

Steve Stockton - Bloomington

Chris Koos - Normal

Joel Fritzler - Carbondale

George Gaulrapp - Freeport

Nina Epstein - Kankakee

Donald Corrie - Chenoa

Ron Mool - El Paso

Bob Webster - Lacon

John Heinz - Metamora

Bob Huschen - Roanoke

For more information on the Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, including background and a list of participating mayors, please visit nationalservice.gov/mayorsforservice.

For more information on the Serve Illinois Commission, please visit serve.illinois.gov.

 

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